Les Clefs Spring 2026

Les Clefs

Photo: Jacqueline Ranieri

Welcome from the Constable

Christmas seems a long way off now, but this is the first article that I am writing for “Les Clefs” during 2026.

Once again, we held our Senior Citizens Christmas Lunches at St Brelade’s Bay Hotel, and I hope that those of you who attended had a wonderful time. These lunches would not be possible if it was not for the generous donations of several businesses and individuals, including Dandara (Jersey) Limited, Pentagon, the Tenants of the Marsh and two individuals who wish to remain anonymous. I thank them for their support.

I do apologise that I was unable to attend this year as I was on holiday, something that I had not foreseen earlier in the year. My partner needed return to Australia, where she lived for over 30 years, to attend to several matters and it created the opportunity to visit Australia which I had always wished to do. I thoroughly enjoyed our trip. It did however feel somewhat cold when we returned to Jersey the day before Christmas Eve. I would like to thank our two Parish Procurers, Robert Surcouf and Jason Lane, for covering my Parish duties whilst I was away.

The beginning of the year has seen substantial rain and wind, the worst of which was experienced during Storm Goretti. Chef de Police, John Camara, was kept busy throughout the night with reports of fallen trees, road blockages and other damage. I am sure he was relieved when another Officer Mike Ozanne took over from him in the morning. I would like to thank all the members of the Honorary Police, the Roads Inspectors and the Roads Committee who gave up their time to assist. This is just one example of the important work the Honorary Police undertake, looking after and supporting the Parishioners of St Peter. For the first time, a new on-line application called “Emergencyworx” was available so Islanders could obtain details of road closures and damage across the Island. This proved very useful in updating everyone

Got

and reduced the calls received by Parish officials, allowing them to concentrate on the more serious issues.

I must thank you all for your patience whilst we have had the traffic diversions in place. They are necessary whist essential work takes place on our sewage system, but I am very aware of the impact it has, not only on journey times but also for those Parishioners living on the roads onto which traffic has been

diverted and added to this are the vehicles using other lanes to bypass some of the diversions. The Honorary Police have been stopping motorists on these lanes, but they cannot monitor them 24/7 and I know how annoying these greater traffic levels can be, as well as increasing the risk of road accidents. Hopefully, by the time you receive this magazine, the diversions will only be with us for a few more weeks.

One of several trees that fell in St Peter during the storm

Recently sworn in: Peter D’Anger, Martin Zimmer, Richard Vibert (Constable), Zoe Rive, Nigel Rive, John Refault, Keith Capern, Jean Shales, William Dempsey, Roger Rive, Peter Fleurey

Recently, several Parishioners were sworn in to various voluntary positions in the Parish, following a nomination meeting held in December 2025. We advertised the roles as widely as possible, including on the Residents Facebook Page, the Parish website and to around a 1000 Parishioners on a list held by the Parish Office We had an excellent response, and it is pleasing to see that people are willing to volunteer for these positions.

I would like to thank them all for giving their time to assist the Parish. These positions remain as relevant today as they were 100 years ago. The roles include Roads Inspectors who are responsible for reporting potholes, drainage problems and fallen trees, Roads Committee members who maintain the Parish roads and consider the traffic issues surrounding Planning applications, and Rates Assessors who undertake the administration around assessment of properties for the Parish Rates and consider appeals where Parishioners believe the Rateable value of their property is incorrect.

I would warmly encourage any Parishioner to consider putting themselves forward for these and other roles when they become available. Some only involve a few hours each month, but they all help to reduce the costs of running the Parish and maintain the very important sense of community that remains the backbone of our Parish system. Once again, a big thank you to all those involved.

Richard Vibert Constable of St Peter

PARISH OFFICE NEWS

Annual Returns 2026

Property owners should all have received an Annual Return Form by mid-January, and we ask that these are completed and returned to us, if not done so already. If you have not received one, please contact us as soon as possible. Notice of Assessments will be sent to all property owners and occupiers in due course.

Dog Licences

These were due to be renewed in January 2026. If you have not yet renewed your dog licence, please visit our website at stpeter. je or doglicences.je to complete an online application. Alternatively, contact the Parish Hall Office. New dog owners can apply for a dog licence online too.

Recycling

The 2026 Household Recycling Collection Planner was distributed this year as a “cut out” page in the Winter 2025 edition of Les Clefs magazine. Several Parishioners have called in for a copy of the Planner as they did not come across it in the magazine. Please note that, as well as the Planner being published in every edition of the magazine, you can also access a copy on our Parish website at stpeter.je - under the title Services and then click on Recycling

Keep Informed

Through the Parish website, it is possible to sign up to receive updates of Parish news and events by email. You can register by visiting our website stpeter.je then click on the title News and Events and sign up to receive updates direct to your inbox. You will then receive notifications regarding Parish Assemblies, Meetings and other celebrations/ functions taking place in the Parish. This is a great way of keeping in touch with any Meetings or Public Consultations taking place in the Parish and any events which are happening. If perhaps you are not online yourself, perhaps ask a family member or friend to register and pass on any information onto you.

We hope that all of the information is helpful but feel free to contact us on 481236 or email parishhall@stpeter.je if we can be of any further assistance.

Branchage

Please note that the Branchage dates for 2026 have been set and will take place on Thursday 9th July and Thursday 3rd September 2026. Occupiers of land bordering public roads and footpaths must make sure that any hedges, branches or overhanging trees are cut back.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Election Day on 7th June 2026

We’re looking for friendly volunteers to support the Parish Executive Officer on Election Day, Sunday 7th June 2026, at the Parish Hall with a rota of two hours on, two hours off, starting from 7.00am through to the end of the election at 8.00pm.

We also require volunteers to assist with the count which we hope is to be on the evening, so if you can offer your help, this would be greatly appreciated.

Volunteers will assist in welcoming voters to the Polling Station and helping things run smoothly throughout the day. Tasks can be tailored to suit your interests and availability, ranging from meet-and-greet to more involved election duties. If you’d like an informal, no-obligation chat to find out more, please call or email liz.cheetham@stpeter.je or 481236

Colour our Collection

a colourful tribute to the Occupation Tapestry

In December 2025, a colourful exhibition by Islanders and Jersey Heritage took place at the Maritime Museum to mark the 80th anniversary of Liberation and the 30th anniversary of the Occupation Tapestry.

The exhibition featured painted versions of the original 12 panels of the Occupation Tapestry which was completed to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Island’s Liberation.

Drop-in painting workshops were held in different Parish Halls over a period of 8 months, and Melissa Rodrigues of Jersey Heritage reported that there were over 100 participants.

In St Peter, many of the participants who attended the painting workshops had also worked on the original St Peter panel of the Occupation Tapestry which depicted “Transport”. AnneMarie Willing was one of those Parishioners. Melissa Rodrigues of Jersey Heritage was delighted to hear their stories of how the original tapestry had been completed.

Honorary Police Recruitment Drive

The Honorary Police held a Recruitment Drive on the morning of Saturday 7th February 2026 at Co-op Grand Marché in St Peter.

As well as our own St Peter Honorary Police, we were joined by several officers from St Ouen, and we were very grateful for their support.

The aim was to encourage more people to volunteer to become a valuable part of our Parish and wider community and help to make a positive difference.

Everyone we spoke to was very interested and it was a good opportunity to meet with the public and generally make them

This creative project provided a place for people to be reunited after many years and also introduced the Occupation Tapestry to new audiences who may not have been aware of it. AnneMarie has kept many items of memorabilia from the Tapestry, and some of them might soon be cared for by Jersey Archive.

aware of how important it is to keep the Honorary Police going, at the same time explaining that you don’t have to give an excessive amount of time, and your family commitments will always be respected.

Along with handing out a variety of freebies, we also provided information about ‘Kulpa’ to ensure more people are aware that, whether a victim or witness of crime, they can now store and share information and evidence directly with the States of Jersey Police, when ready to do so, via this new free app. The information was very well received, with several people taking more leaflets to distribute in their own offices, noticeboards and reception areas.

Anne -Marie Willing with the Colour our Collection painted panel and the original tapestry panel at the exhibition held at the Maritime Museum

Looking

for a new

challenge? Want to give back to your local community? Consider joining the Honorary Police.

The Honorary Police is a voluntary service that has been part of Jersey for hundreds of years. It is an essential part of Island life and very valuable to our community.

Each Parish has its own Honorary Police made up of volunteers from all walks of life. We aim to make it achievable for people to volunteer so you won't have to give an excessive amount of time and we will respect your family commitments.

You'll receive all the support that you need in your new role including regular training. You'll broaden your skills in problem solving, decision making, team building, leadership and responsibility; all transferable to the workplace. You'll make a positive difference for people in your Parish and the wider community.

Did you know?

• You need to be aged between 20 and 69 to join the Honorary Police

• You don't need to be Jersey born but must have been resident in the Island for at least 2 years

• We are a diverse force and welcome all nationalities, groups and cultures

• We are a valuable part of the criminal justice system

• We take our responsibilities seriously but also enjoy socialising together Honour, Duty, Community: BE THE DIFFERENCE Why not join us? Find out

by Nasima Rashid, Headteacher

Welcome to the Spring Term’s update from our school. This time, each of our classes has provided a flavour of what they’ve been up to.

The children in Nursery have been busy exploring a range of stories, with their clear favourite being The Gingerbread Man. They thoroughly enjoyed baking their own gingerbread people and were very excited when they “ran away,” leading to a fun hunt around the setting to find them! This experience sparked lots of storytelling, problemsolving and imaginative play. The children have also shown a strong interest in castles, knights and dragons. They explored these themes through role play, building models, creative activities and sharing stories about brave knights and fiery dragons, developing their creativity and language skills along the way. We finished the half term by celebrating Chinese New Year. The children learned about the festival through crafts, decorations, music and tasting food, alongside discussions about how it is celebrated around the world.

In Reception, we have been learning about inventors and how ideas can grow into exciting creations. The children were particularly interested in Ron Hickman, an inventor who lived in Jersey. This half term we have designed and built our very own robots! While doing this, we explored a range of materials, stayed focused and persevered when things were tricky, and then shared, tested and improved our ideas.

The children expressed themselves creatively by choosing colours, shapes and textures, and proudly talking about their finished robots. They also developed their personal, social and emotional development as they worked together, shared resources, took turns, built confidence and showed resilience while solving problems as a team.

Year 1 have been working incredibly hard this half term on developing their reading and writing skills, and they have shown wonderful enthusiasm. We have especially enjoyed listening to stories about animals and exploring all the wonderful characters and adventures they bring. We have also been exploring the weather as part of our wider learning. The children have enjoyed talking about the different types of weather we experience and how it changes. And of course, like the rest of us, Year 1 are very much looking forward to the sunshine making an appearance soon!

Year 2 have been busy learning all about the Battle of Jersey. We discovered that Major Pierson led his troops from St Peter to the Royal Square. Most of us were pleased not to be in his army as it was a long way to march! As part of our English, we have been enjoying a book called The Giant Jam Sandwich. One of our creative parents sent us a rap version of the story! We have made our own jam sandwiches and designed our own ways of trapping the 4 million wasps that came into town.

In Year 3, we have been developing our love of reading, thoroughly enjoying the timeless classic The BFG by Roald Dahl. We have also been inspired by The Barnabus Project by the Fan Brothers, a celebration of diversity. We reflected thoughtfully on the story, empathised with the characters, and described their thoughts and feelings using descriptive writing. We created our own failed pet projects with clay and explored the idea of being unique. We have worked hard on instant publishing, designing brochures and posters for an imaginary pet store called Imperfect Pets, using persuasive language to creatively share our ideas.

This half term, Year 4 have enjoyed starting to learn about the Vikings. We have explored where the Vikings came from, why Anglo-Saxon Britain was an appealing place to land and attack, as well as investigating the Viking longships and what life on board would have been like. We have also continued to enjoy our work through Jersey Heritage on ‘Rural Connections’. We have visited Hamptonne to learn about the importance of the wool industry and the role Jersey had to play in this, as well as thinking about the different varieties of birds and the role they play in improving our biodiversity.

Year 5 have been learning about Space this half term. They have learnt about the 7 elements of Art and produced some wonderful artwork inspired by Peter Thorpe. In Science, we have been learning all about planets. The children can now order them, compare distances and explain if they are a terrestrial planet or a gas giant! The children were tasked with creating their own space-themed home projects - they came up with some fantastic creations including cakes, 3D models and presentations, which were out of this world!

It’s been a busy half term in Year 6. We have been thinking about evolution and are currently writing stories about the evolution of the polar bear in the style of Moth by Daniel Egneus. We have been lucky enough to have a specialist

teaching us art this term, showing us how to create stamps to make prints of moths. We also visited the Maritime Museum to investigate how seaweed has evolved into many different species and tried to classify the different types of vraic found in Jersey. We were also invited to Les Quennevais to watch their production of Calamity Jane which was spectacular! We are looking forward to more exciting trips before Easter including our STEM racing competition.

Jèrriais Eisteddfod

In January, our wonderful school choir achieved something truly unforgettable - they won the La Coupe HostingueVilton and were awarded a rare Diamond certificate for their performance!

Watching our pupils pour their hearts into singing Jersey’s new anthem Beautiful Jersey entirely in Jèrriais, with their joy and togetherness shining so brightly, was one of those moments that reminds us why we do what we do. Their voices lifted the room and their spirit lifted all of us. This achievement didn’t just happen - it was built through many rehearsals, shared determination, laughter and support for one another. Every child took part not just as a singer, but as a participant in something bigger… something beautiful.

Thank you to our dedicated Mrs McDermott for believing so deeply in our children and guiding them with such passion. And to you, our families: your encouragement, patience and pride have been the foundation of this success.

Our wonderful Megan in Year 6 was also recognised for her outstanding performance in the Primary School - Individual Advanced class. She was awarded La Coupe dé l’Assembliée d’Jèrriais and a platinum certificate. We are delighted that her commitment, diligence and perseverance were recognised –well done Megan!

Children, if you are reading this - you were magnificent. You made us cheer, you made us smile and, for many of us… you brought tears to our eyes.

What a school community!

With very best wishes, Ms Rashid

Gouldson Finance

23rd Jersey (St Lawrence)

Scout Group

by J-P (Magpie) Fidrmuc, Section Leader 23rd (St George’s) Beavers

Hopefully, as you are reading this, the weather is improving, winter is behind us and the warmer and lighter days and nights are ahead.

Since the last edition of this magazine, we have completed our Autumn term, which was busy as always. Here is a summary of what we got up to.

Beavers (aged 6 to 8)

After welcoming the new starters, the Beaver Colonies took advantage of the last of the summer nights with a sunset hike to the headland around the airport. They have also continued to work through their two-year programme which, amongst other things, has seen them complete their Cooking and Experiment Badge. As the nights drew in the Beavers had a session of Halloween themed activities, a bonfire night campfire with the usual mix of songs and s’mores and took part in a Remembrance themed trail around St Helier visiting and learning about the memorials linked to WW1 and WW2. The Autumn camp at the Island Scout Centre was themed around 'Scout Skills'.

Cubs (aged 8 to 10)

The Cub Packs had a busy Autumn term beginning with nighttime orienteering and toasted marshmallows and followed by a session using Trangias to cook some very tasty Korean BBQ chicken. As the nights drew in there was a full moon night hike, completion of the Communicator Badge and a session learning how to start a fire using a flint and steel. As December approached the Cubs had a two-night Christmas

Camp, after which the two packs visited Les Charrieres and Stuart Court Care Homes and the Cubs presented the residents with handmade decorations and entertained them with a mix of camp fire songs and Christmas carols, all of which were very well received and enjoyed by the residents.

Scouts

(aged 10 to 14)

The Scout Troop had a busy term developing and learning new skills. They began with the hotly contested annual String Burning Challenge - a race to make and start a fire which in turn burns a length of string suspended above the fire. The Scouts have also learned about electricity and electrical circuits. This included creating electric generating models of

wind turbines, making electromagnetic circuits and a session making and programming mini-Lego robots. The Scouts also got the Trangias out and made really tasty honey butter bread. In the outdoors the Scouts met up with Jersey Trees for Life at Greve de Lecq and together they planted over 400 trees in the hedgerows to replace those lost by storms and to increase biodiversity. The effort was even more impressive given the weather on the day!

Group Events

The autumn term ended with a session at the Bowling Alley. It was Christmas jumpers and Christmas bling all round, along with a few cracking jokes; a nice way to finish off 2025.

New Members (Big and Small)

For our younger members we have three intakes a year, all at the start of each academic term. Our Group covers St Lawrence and St Peter, and with over 100 young people in our Group we have a waiting list for new members. We encourage interested young people to register, and the QR code will take you to our sign-up page. We are always on the lookout for adults who are able to help out with our busy programme in any way you can. Our Group Lead Volunteer Elisabeth Blampied can be emailed at e.blampied@scouts.org.je.

Located on the edge of the Jersey National Park in St Ouen, Maison des Landes Hotel and Community Hub is nestled amidst breathtaking countryside and offers panoramic sea views.

Built around a strong sense of community and run by a charitable trust, we have recently celebrated 60 years of welcoming locals and visitors to the island, with the very best in modern design to provide a fully inclusive environment.

Want to try a new restaurant?

You’re in for a treat! Chef Sachin and his team proudly create fresh, locally sourced dishes at very reasonable prices. We also welcome group lunch and afternoon tea bookings. Join us for lunch on Easter Sunday, we’d love to see you!

Fancy a break?

Relax and recharge whilst enjoying the tranquil gardens and uninterrupted coastal views. Swim in our indoor hydrotherapy pool, maintained at 33 degrees, which is perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. With 15 out of 23 rooms adapted to suit a range of needs, everything has been thought through.

Looking for somewhere different for an event or special occasion?

Our stunning venue is perfect for a wedding or special occasion, wellness retreat, corporate offsite, or private event in a calm, natural setting.

At Maison des Landes, our guests come first. Friendly, dedicated and always willing to go the extra mile, our staff team take genuine pride in what they do, and nothing is too much trouble.

During April and May, we’re offering over 50% OFF a delicious two-course evening meal and a choice of full English or continental breakfast.

• £129 per night for 2 adults

• £85 per night for 1 adult

• £99 per night for 1 adult and 1 child

• plus £20 per night per child

These offers are open to Jersey residents only and are valid for stays during availability at time of booking.

To book please call the hotel directly on 01534 481683 or email reservations@maisondeslandes.co.uk

St Brelade Parish Hall

St Clement Parish Hall

St Ouen Parish Hall

Trinity Parish Hall

St Saviour Parish Hall

St Martin Public Hall

Saturday 10am-12pm

Throughout the year we will be offering free legal guidance at the above locations around the island.

All are welcome at each event no matter your parish. No need to register or book, simply show up on the day.

News from

…your local flying charity

Enabling the disadvantaged and the disabled of all ages to share the exhilaration and fulfilment of flying

by Eveline Hawkin, Chair of Helping Wings

The winter months are usually a quiet time for Helping Wings, but it doesn’t mean that the team is not kept busy!

On 3rd December, we took part in “Embrace Our Difference” at the Radisson Blu Hotel which enabled us to introduce ourselves to other organisations.

We are also looking forward to our three events, and the dates are as follows:

SUNDAY 12TH APRIL

Spring flying day for young people aged 13+ and for adults

SUNDAY 5TH JULY

Joint event with Wetwheels for anyone aged 5+

SUNDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER

Day for young children aged 5 to 12 years

The application forms will be available 5-6 weeks prior to each event on our Facebook page Helping Wings Jersey and on our website www.helpingwingsjersey.org We rely on our volunteer pilots, so the number of flights depends on both pilots and aircraft availability.

Due to the closure of Blue Islands, the Santa flight was sadly cancelled on Sunday 13th December, but we managed to rescue the day, and Santa did pay us a visit, arriving in a light aircraft. All the children stood on the Jersey Aero Club balcony for a wonderful welcome! Santa and his elf then chatted with every child and gave them each a present. Once Santa had left, the fun carried on when our magician arrived and entertained both the children and the adults with his wonderful magic. A very successful event with families leaving with lots of happy families!

We always enjoy seeing new guests at our events. Please follow us on Facebook at Helping Wings Jersey to see what is coming up or find us online at www.helpingwingsjersey.org

Did YouKnow?

Sometimes we come across an interesting 'fact' that can be surprising. Here are a few that may astound you, at least one of which is out of this world!

Insects can fly up to 3.25km above sea level, at least. Alpine bumblebees have been found living as high up as 3.25km above sea level and could even fly in lab conditions that replicate the air density and oxygen levels at 9km – that's just higher than Mount Everest.

Most ginger cats are male. There are roughly three ginger male cats to one ginger female. This is because the ginger gene is found on the X chromosome, meaning female cats would require two copies of the gene to become ginger whilst males only need one.

Bananas are radioactive. Due to being rich in potassium, every banana is actually slightly radioactive thanks to containing the natural isotope potassium-40. Interestingly, your body contains around 16mg of potassium-40, meaning you’re around 280 times more radioactive than a banana already. Any excess potassium-40 you gain from a banana is excreted out within a few hours.

The Moon looks upside down in the Southern Hemisphere when compared to the Northern Hemisphere. This means that the ‘Man in the Moon’ is upside down in the Southern Hemisphere and looks more like a rabbit.

Wisecracks Crapaud’s

We all need a laugh to lighten our lives a little. Here are a few mirthful moments for you...

After writing a speech for her class, my daughter asked for input. I listened to her talk about sexually transmitted diseases, then gave my opinion.

“It’s great,” I said. “There’s one sentence in particular that I like.”

“Which one?” she asked.

“The one where you write, “The only way, other than abstinence, to be sure that you will not contract an STD is to remain in a monotonous relationship.'”

Few people know what a quartermaster does. So, during my aircraft carrier’s Family Day, I demonstrated a procedure called semaphore - I grabbed my flags and signalled to an imaginary boat.

When finished, I pointed to a little girl in front and asked, “Now do you know what I do?”

“Yes,” she said. “You’re a cheerleader.”

Time to put on your thinking caps. Here are some random riddles for you to solve.

Answers are on page 35

I'm not a blanket, yet I cover the ground; a crystal from heaven that doesn't make a sound. What am I?

What word contains 26 letters but only has three syllables?

What five-letter word typed in all capital letters can be read the same upside down?

A cowboy rode into town on Friday. He stayed for three nights and rode out on Friday. How is this possible?

WordSearch

Here's a challenge for you!

Can you find all the pasta shapes in this word search?

Find the words from the list in the grid of letters. They may be horizontal, vertical or diagonal, and may be spelt forward or backwards, some of the letters are used twice. The letters remaining reveal a pasta dish. Have fun!

RAVIOLI CANNELLONI RUOTE CONCHIGLIE GEMELLI ROTELLE

SHELLS SPAGHETTI LINGUINE PENNE FUSILLI ZITI

PIPE RIGATONI ORZO BUCATINI LASAGNE

The solution is shown on page 35

Battle of committeeNEWS St Peter

Preparation for this years’ parades is well under way with the bases used last year dismantled and our main chassis being prepared for the new build.

Amongst other things, this involves removing an 8ft section from the front as the maximum length of the larger floats has been reduced to 35ft. This is to ensure that all the floats will be able to take part in future parades, no matter where they are held, also to try and help reduce overall costs and encourage more exhibitors to take part in the Battle of Flowers.

It is hoped that the 2026 parades will be back on Victoria Avenue. More details of the planned route will be given in the next edition once permissions, funding and the finer details have been agreed by the Battle Committee and the various Government bodies involved.

float. However, we need more helpers! If you have some time to spare, a particular skill that would help us, or would just like to become more involved with the parish community events, please do come along and see what Battle is all about. We will be at the parish shed most weekends either Saturday or Sunday. Up to date information with time and day will be posted on our Facebook page each week.

You will have noticed that we have not mentioned our theme though - that will hopefully be revealed in the next edition of Les Clefs – all that we can say is that it features very popular well-known characters and music with a green theme! The design idea was put forward by two young Parishioners, Fearne Pallot and Thomas Hart. If you need to know more and cannot wait, come to the shed at the weekends - you will learn more!

Meanwhile, the build for this year is progressing. The theme was agreed in October 2024 but, due to the initial uncertainty of Battle 2025 and time constraints, it was decided to delay that design and instead use ‘An English Country Garden’ last year and build the original design this year. We will not be entering a junior float, just our main parish float involving all ages from young to old!

There are plenty of things to be done - welding, carpentry, painting, cutting, cleaning, sticking harestails, making costumes and much more - it all goes towards helping to complete the

Our fund-raising is ongoing and the next planned events are as follows:

Easter themed Family Bingo at St Peter’s Parish Hall on 14th March - doors open 5.45pm for 6.30pm start - £3 per adult, £1 per child (primary school age), tickets will be on sale soon to book your seat.

Car wash in the Community Centre car park on Saturday 18th April from 10am to 1pm. There will be more to come, and everybody is welcome to join in!

Finally, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to either email, leave a message on our Facebook page or call any of the committee members listed below. Thank you for taking the time to read this, please come and help, we look forward to welcoming you this year.

Committee for 2025

Chairperson Steve Ahearne 07797 722102

Vice- Chair Philippa Knight 07797 730687

Treasurer Angela Taylor 07797 750283

Secretary Pat Pike 07797 788908

For further information, please email stpetersbattle@ gmail.com or check our Facebook page St Peter’s Battle of Flowers Association

Youth Club Nights

Through engaging and varied sessions, we continue to focus on building positive relationships and creating a space where young people feel trusted and supported. By giving young people, the autonomy to make choices, try new things and express themselves, we aim to help them grow in confidence and to feel a genuine sense of belonging.

Alongside special events, our regular youth club sessions continue to be a lively and creative space for young people to relax and connect. Over the past term, we have enjoyed a wide range of activities, including slime making, canvas painting, bracelet making, clay and scratch art - all of which encourage creativity, patience and confidence. Our cooking sessions have also been a firm favourite, with young people baking brownies and cookies, making fruit kebabs and sharing pizza nights together. These sessions are about much more than the activities themselves; they provide opportunities for young people to build friendships, learn new skills and feel a sense of belonging in a safe and welcoming environment.

WHAT WE HAVE BEEN UP TO…

In November, as part of Youth Work Week, we were delighted to hold our very first Yoscars celebration - an evening inspired by the film awards ceremony but rooted firmly in the values of youth work. The event was all about recognising the achievements, creativity and contributions of the young people who attend our youth club and celebrating them in a way that felt special and affirming.

The evening was full of smiles, laughter and a real sense of pride. Young people were recognised not just for obvious achievements, but for qualities such as kindness, perseverance, growth in confidence and supporting others. It was wonderful to see them celebrated for who they are, not just what they do. For many, being publicly recognised in such a positive way was a powerful moment and a reminder that they are valued members of our community.

Events like the Yoscars highlight what youth work is really about - building relationships, encouraging potential and creating spaces where young people feel seen, heard and appreciated. We are incredibly proud of all our young people and grateful to everyone who helped make the evening such a success.

Christmas Celebrations

In the run-up to Christmas, young people worked hard creating a wide range of homemade decorations for our Christmas tree at the St Peter’s Church Christmas Tree Festival. It was lovely to see their creativity on display and to feel part of a wider community celebration. We also enjoyed festive celebrations within the club, including a Christmas party for our junior members, and trips to the bowling alley for our intermediate and senior groups, complete with food and plenty of laughter. These activities provided a chance to relax, celebrate together and end the year on a positive and joyful note.

A real highlight of the festive season was our Christmas Fayre, which was planned and facilitated by the young people themselves. They worked hard in the lead-up to the event, developing ideas, organising activities and taking on responsibilities on the day. The Fayre included a Santa’s Grotto, a variety of stalls, and a dedicated children’s area offering sensory activities and crafts. The event provided a wonderful opportunity for community engagement, bringing together families, local supporters and stakeholders, and allowing young people to confidently showcase their skills, creativity and teamwork. It was a proud moment for both the young people and the youth work team to see their efforts come together in such a positive and welcoming community event.

WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO…

Summer Fete Volunteers Needed

Planning has already begun for the St Peter’s Summer Fete, which will take place on Saturday 27th June. We are looking forward to another enjoyable community event, and more details will be shared in the coming months. Support is needed with setting up, running activities and helping pack away, and any time you can offer would be greatly appreciated. The Summer Fete is a wonderful community event, and volunteering is a great way to get involved and support its success. If you are interested in helping, please get in touch.

In the coming months, we are looking forward to planning sessions around a range of awareness days and themes, such as World Kindness Day, Random Acts of Kindness Day, Safer Internet Day, International Women’s Day, Neurodiversity Celebration Week and Stress Awareness Week, to name a few. These provide a helpful way to explore topics such as wellbeing, kindness, inclusion and creativity in ways that feel relevant and engaging for our young people. Alongside these themes, we will continue to offer a mix of creative activities, group discussions and fun sessions shaped by the interests and ideas of the young people themselves. We are excited about what the next few months will bring and look forward to continuing to support and encourage our young people as we head into Spring.

GET INVOLVED

If you would like to know any more about attending Youth Club, or if you have a few hours to spare and wish to be involved, please feel free to get in touch at lyndseycapern@jys.je or 07797 712451

Rifle Club

by Eric Payn

St Peter Rifle Club will have its annual full bore rifle shoot at Crabbé in St Mary over three ranges in the morning of Sunday 28th June, this date having provisionally been reserved in the Jersey Rifle Association Fixtures Callender.

We gather at 8am at the JRA Clubhouse. We look forward to a good turnout of ladies, gents and juniors (12 years and over dependent on build) no matter what the weather. Loan equipment and rifles will be available for those who wish to take part, all supervised by trained range officers.

Our Club membership involves a very small fee paid on the day as we benefit from a helpful grant from the Parish. The team running the JRA continue to try keeping costs down as much as possible and do this by enabling us to share their ranges with them as we have done over the last four seasons. Insurance cover is included within the cost of the ammunition.

If you cannot take part but know of someone who currently lives in St Peter or was born in the Parish but now lives elsewhere, or who are members of Western Miniature Rifle Club, please encourage them to get involved. There are numerous annual trophies to be won!

We look forward to seeing you on the day, but please let Eric Payn, Club Secretary, know if you wish to take part on 07797 729483 or by email at eric.payn43@gmail.com

Jersey RFC

by Tom Innes

Moving into the final quarter of the 2025/26 rugby season, Jersey RFC’s Men were looking well-placed to win their league title and claim promotion.

In winning 17 straight games in Regional 1 South Central by mid-February, the JRFC side built a big lead at the top of the table, potentially paving the way for a move to National 2 –the fourth tier of the English game.

The team will finish off their schedule of home fixtures at CoinShares Park in St Peter with matches against Camberley on Saturday 21st March and Wimbledon on Saturday 11th April, after which attention will turn to the Siam Cup, which is being hosted in Guernsey this year, on Saturday 16th May.

JRFC Women have enjoyed an impressive season in their league after being promoted last year, currently ranked third in the table and looking forward to a last home game against Hove on Saturday 21st March.

The club’s Minis and Juniors section have been active across the season at all levels, with a highlight being the Colts XV reaching the semi-finals of the Sussex Cup. Off the field, there has been a considerable focus on strengthening the pathway from junior to adult rugby, and an increasing amount of coaching work in schools, led by Director of Rugby Myles Landick.

A project to install a disabled lift at the clubhouse is nearing fruition, with hopes that the building project will be completed this summer, while there is also the prospect of starting the 2026/27 season on the final weekend of July with a combined Channel Islands team playing an international side at CoinShares Park.

Photos of the First XV v Old Alleynians at home, courtesy of Jacquie Ranieri

With a strong focus on preventative care, we provide high quality contemporary dentistry in an environment with charm. We believe our patients should have access to trusted resources at any time and our new website is designed with this in mind. Please contact us if you would like help with any aspect of your oral care. We look forward to meeting you or continuing your care.

We’re excited to announce that 32Co clear aligners are now available at our clinic in Jersey, Channel Islands. 32Co is a UK-based, expert-led clear aligner system that helps you straighten your teeth with nearly invisible, custom-made aligners. What sets 32Co apart is its collaborative approach: treatment is planned with the support of specialist orthodontists to deliver predictable, high-quality results that fit your goals — all with comfortable, removable aligners that are tailored to you.

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Discover the cost of switching using our online tool at switchon.je.

Using an air source heat pump you could save up to 50%** on your heating bills compared to an oil boiler. Contact us today for a free, personalised estimate on 01534 505600.

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Whether you’re looking to protect wealth, grow your investments or prepare for life’s important events, the support of an expert can help you make the most of your money.

Drop in, say hello, and find out more about how we work, the services we provide and how we support islanders every day.

Stay tuned for confirmed dates and more details.

From Demolition to Delivery – moving towards construction of the new Acute Hospital at Overdale

With Development Works underway to prepare the Overdale site for construction, and with the ongoing procurement process to secure a Main Works Delivery Partner running in parallel, a new hospital for Jersey has never been closer.

If you drive past the Overdale site, you will notice it has changed progressively in less than two years – from delivering healthcare services to demolition, to an active construction site.

Ashbe Construction - along with local sub-contractorshave removed the areas of remaining hard standings and residual structures below the ground and cleared the site area. Good progress is being made on the site hoardings, which are currently being installed around the perimeter. Once complete, a total of 1,500 metres of hoardings will surround the full site.

Other Development Works to provide the required temporary and permanent water, electricity and drainage infrastructure to the site are also underway. Temporary water supplies have been installed along Westmount Road to the site, and the JEC substation installation for the Acute Hospital was completed in December.

In addition, local drainage diversions within the site have been planned and are scheduled for completion to enable the next phase of works. A new borehole has also been provided to supply the Rose Garden at the Crematorium. Finally, early works are underway to start creating the Active Travel Route from the JEC Substation on the inner road - all under the supervision of an Ecological Clerk of Works and in accordance with Planning Conditions.

A ‘hospital shaped hole’

A ‘hospital shaped hole’ can already be discerned in the hillside – but this will be taken down to near formation levels in the next Development Project that is currently out to tender. The foundations for the new Acute Hospital can then be formed.

With all these preparatory works underway - which have so far been won by local contractors - the site continues to be readied for the Main Works Delivery Partner to begin construction. More than a year of detailed procurement work has culminated in the selection of the Preferred Tenderer – Bouygues UK – to build the Acute Hospital. At the time of writing, they are preparing their final offer for the works, with Meet the Buyer events between Bouygues UK and local suppliers having taken place last month to understand the capability, capacity and skills available locally to support the final phase of the procurement process. The overview presentation was full to capacity and more than 100 face to face meetings between local suppliers, Bouygues UK and the New Healthcare Facilities team were held.

Next steps for the other healthcare sites

While delivering the Acute Hospital at Overdale has been the most immediate priority - and is the critical path to all of the future facilities - it is one part of the wider, long-term vision for multi-site healthcare for Islanders.

As the Acute Hospital moves into the construction phase, it begins to unlock further work across the wider portfolio of healthcare sites, including the Ambulatory (outpatients) facility at Kensington Place and the Health Village at St. Saviour. Whilst the Kensington Place site is not available for public use owing to its close proximity to various sensitive activities on the hospital access road, it has been used as much needed storage and operational space.

A significant amount of work is currently underway to refine the briefs and proposals on the other major healthcare facilities’ sites. Over the past six months, the New Healthcare Facilities team has met with more than 150 healthcare colleagues to ensure that the Development Control Plans and Functional Briefs developed nearly three years ago are fully refined and reflect Jersey’s current and future healthcare needs, especially with the ongoing progression of digital technologies in medicine.

In the months ahead, as work continues to progress, more detailed information about the next steps for these sites will be shared. We are looking forward to sharing these proposals with you, neighbours and other stakeholders to take your feedback – just as we did on the Acute Hospital site that has now progressed so far.

Women’s Institute St Aubin & St Peter’s

by Sarah Johnson

At our December meeting, we welcomed the quartet 'Harmonious Friends' who delighted us with a festive medley of songs and finished with a sing-along to some much-loved Christmas carols.

We continued the theme with a delicious buffet tea provided by the Committee and a Secret Santa exchange of gifts. A lovely evening came to an end with everyone wishing each other a Merry Christmas as we ventured out into a wet and blustery night.

Our Christmas tree this year was adorned with handknitted angels which were gifted to a nearby care home.

We were delighted to welcome our speaker from EYECAN to our January Meeting. Despite more wet and windy weather, members battled through to attend and were treated to a very clear, informative and interesting talk on the work of EYECAN, a charity that supports people with sight loss or sight impairment. The speaker brought along literature and aids for people to manage their sight loss problems. She also brought along sight-loss glasses so that we could understand how some of the commonest forms of sight loss impair our sight.

We meet at St Peter's Parish Hall on the first Friday of every month at 7.30pm. If you would like to come and join us, make new friends, enjoy lots of different events and maybe learn a new skill, please contact Sarah Johnson on 07797 725486

St Peter’s Indoor Market every Saturday from 9am to 3pm at the Western Rifle Club. Contact 481031

Senior Citizens’ Club 2nd Thursday of the month at 2pm Contact Barbara on 485639

St Peter’s & St Aubin’s WI 1st Friday of each month at 7.30pm. Sarah Johnson 07797 725486

St Peter’s Whist Club 1st and 3rd Thursday 2pm Contact Rosemary Vibert on 481371 or Eileen on 737128

Friendly Club of St Peter Occasional meetings. Please contact Jean Vibert on 481485/07797 716758 for more information.

Western Miniature Rifle Club Tuesdays from 7pm for Club & Practice. Sarah Campion 07797 769 415, Club T: 483293 E: westernmrc@gmail.com www.westernmrc.org.je

St Peter’s Community Support contact ParishHall staff on 481236 for further information

St Peter’s Youth & Community Centre contact 483011 for further information

St Peter’s Petanque Club every Friday on The Village Green 2pm. Contact Vic Le Riche on 742909

St Peter’s Parish Church T: 481805 E: rectorstpeter@outlook.com

Philadelphie Methodist Church and Messy Church Rev’d Peter Goodhall T: 743933 E: methodistpeter@gmail.com Katie Norman T: 482364 E: katie.bill39@gmail.com

Jersey Mobile Library is back on the road. Contact Jersey Library on 448700 or je.library@gov.je or the Jersey Library Facebook page for the new timetable.

Twinning Association Secretary Francois Le Maistre 481034, E: lemaistre@hotmail.com Facebook: St Peter/StHilaire Twinning Association

St Peter’s Battle of Flowers Secretary Pat Pike on 07797 788908, E: stpetersbattle@gmail.com

Taking Care of Your Feet

Here’s some tips for the colder months

The nerves which detect temperature in your feet can be damaged by diabetes. This is called neuropathy. If you have neuropathy you may not be aware that your skin is being damaged. Heat damage can lead to blisters which can become infected and ulcerate.

Check your feet at least once every day - twice is better! This is because neuropathy can also mean that you do not feel pain. If you cannot see to check your feet, ask someone else to have a look or use a mirror to look underneath.

If you are planning to have a bath or soak your feet, use your elbow to check the water temperature. Your hands can also be affected by neuropathy and thus are generally less sensitive to heat.

Keep your feet warm with socks, make sure that the seam does not cause pressure or irritation to your toes - you can turn them inside out or buy seamless socks. Try to avoid tight elastic around your legs as this can restrict blood flow and result in swelling.

Never apply direct heat to your feet, therefore do not use hot water bottles, electric blankets, heated socks, wheat bags or heat pads.

Never put your feet onto a radiator or heater, keep a safe distance from fires and be aware of the foot-well heater in the car. This can get hot enough to burn your feet.

Check your shoes or slippers before you put them on. Make sure that nothing has fallen into your footwear and that linings and insoles are smooth.

In wet weather, try to wear waterproof boots or shoes. Skin is more fragile when it becomes wet and prolonged wetness can make your feet more prone to damage.

Do not walk around with bare feet. You could easily stand on something which might damage your skin.

Wash and dry your feet carefully, paying particular attention to the spaces between your toes.

Moisturise your feet every day, particularly around the heels where skin is most likely to split.

If you have diabetes, regular checks will prevent minor cuts or blisters developing into something serious.

Remember, check your feet every day – twice is better!

St Peter Household recycling collection 2026

This guide explains how to use the St. Peter household recycling collection. A collection planner is included so you know when your recycling will be collected. Every home in St. Peter receives a recycling collection, in addition to the existing rubbish and glass collections. Recycling collections will be on the same day as your refuse.

Collection Planner 2026

For more information, visit gov.je/recycling

For collection enquiries, contact Premier Waste Management. Tel (01534) 741185 (8am - 5pm) Email recycle@premierwaste.org.uk

Please fill the recycling boxes with your:

• Mixed paper and card: blue box/bin with blue sticker

• Plastic bottles: red box/bin with red sticker

• Metal packaging: black box/bin with black sticker

✓ Yes please

Catalogues

Envelopes

Newspapers

Cardboard packaging and boxes - cut up large pieces of card

Around a third of Jersey’s waste is currently recycled, together we can improve on this.

Everything we collect for recycling is sent for recycling and the parish of St. Peter is making it even easier for you to reduce your waste and recycle more.

✓ Shredded paper -recommended for confidential papers

✓ Greeting cards ✘ No thank you

Milk or drink cartons

Polystyrene or plastics

Your glass bin You are required to provide your own bin for glass

✓ Yes please

✓ Glass bottles

✓ Glass jars

✓ Broken glass

>Please rinse

> Remove corks, caps or lids

>Remove plastic labels (paper labels can be left on)

✘ No thank you ✘ Plastic bags ✘ Lightbulbs*

Ceramics (cups, mugs, plates,etc.)*

Electrical/ electronic goods*

Cardboard

General rubbish

*These items should not be thrown away with your general rubbish and should be taken to the Household Reuse & Recycling Centre at La Collette, thank you.

News from your Parish Church

It isn’t just about the bunnies!

I suspect that most people immediately think of bunnies and eggs when the word Easter is mentioned. But did you know that there are many other symbols associated with Easter?

These include butterflies, peacocks, lambs, white lilies, the Easter Cross (a cross decorated with flowers) and the Easter Candle. Each of these is a symbol of the new life and new hope which is at the heart of our Easter celebrations. We rejoice that Jesus has risen from the dead, giving us the hope of lives transformed and the gift of heaven.

We invite you to come and celebrate with us this Easter. All are welcome!

Riddle Answers

1. Snowflake 2. Alphabet 3. SWIMS

4. His horse's name is Friday

Wordsearch Solutions

Easter Services

Palm Sunday – 29th March

We celebrate Jesus’ entry to Jerusalem.

8.00am Eucharist 10.30am Sung Eucharist with Procession

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday

6.00pm Eucharist with Address

Maundy Thursday – 2nd April

We remember the Last Supper and Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.

6.00pm Sung Eucharist of the Lord’s Supper 7.30pm Watch until 9.00pm

Good Friday – 3rd April

We commemorate the Passion and Death of Jesus. 10.30am The Liturgy of Good Friday

Easter Day – 5th April

We celebrate the Resurrection and the gift of New Life. 6.00am Blessing of the New Fire, Lighting of the Paschal Candle and First Eucharist of Easter

8.00am Eucharist 10.30am Sung Eucharist

Bacon rolls will be served following the 6.00am First Eucharist of Easter.

Following the 10.30am Eucharist there will be an Easter Egg for the young people present and the opportunity for the adults to celebrate with something effervescent!

Harris Rector

rectorstpeter@outlook.com

What Was but What If…

Extracted from We Shall Eat Grass

A compendium of myths, mysteries and minutiae of the only German Occupation of British Soil.

By the autumn of 1944 the Channel Islands are starving but on 27 September, Winston Churchill writes: ‘I am totally opposed to our sending any rations to the Channel Islands for the civil population thus enabling the German garrison to prolong their resistance.’

Then, not for the first time, the prime minister has a change of heart. “If they’re starving,” he barks. “We must invade. I recall Mountbatten had a plan, Operation Condor. Get it dusted off!”

Despite immediate objections from the Chiefs of Staff that the Channel Islands are irrelevant to the thrust towards the heart of the German Reich, Churchill points out that the alternative is to send food to the Islands. “Any such sustenance will be seized upon by the Boche. A show of real force should be sufficient.”

Churchill is insistent and Mountbatten’s plans from 1943 are revisited.

Churchill himself proposes a task force comprising the battlecruiser HMS Renown and the Jutland veterans HMSs Royal Sovereign and Resolution, all currently in home waters, supported by a screen of antisubmarine destroyers.

“These islands are truly impregnable fortresses,” Churchill is warned.

He retorts, “Manned by a garrison that is hungry. They may be materially strong but spiritually they are weak. It can be done! It will be done!”

“Inevitably there will be civilian casualties,” Churchill is warned again.

“Surely they will be few, particularly if the attack takes place before dawn on a Sunday. This can be done! See to it!”

Thus plans are laid. The show of force will take place at dawn on Sunday, 8 October.

At 0630 Central European Time on Sunday, 8 October, the approach of three heavy units with escorts moving at high speed towards Jersey is reported by the Würzburg radar situated at Guernsey’s Fort George .

The invasion of the Channel Islands is nigh and within an hour the entire German forces in Jersey have retreated to their underground shelters and bunkers.

It is still dark at 0745 CET when HMSs Royal Sovereign and Resolution open fire on Jersey with their main armament, each firing three full broadsides. Their targets are Batterie Lothringen

It is understood that Admiral Friedrich Hüffmeier, commander-in-chief of the German forces in the Channel Islands, in April 1945 and despite Germany’s defeat being inevitable, stated to Jersey’s Bailiff Alexander Coutanche that ‘you and I will be eating grass before I surrender’. Even if that’s a myth, it makes a good title.

Compiled by Peter Tabb

What if… PART 3

at Noirmont Point, the airport and St Helier’s harbour installations, areas believed to be largely free of civilians

Several shells miss their targets and cause major damage in the town behind the harbour and in the countryside around the airport. A few civilians, although less than a dozen, caught in the open while hurrying to shelter, are killed but no member of the garrison suffers any injury.

The bombardment is halted at 0800 CET.

In the Royal Court House in St Helier, a stunned Bailiff Coutanche, who has just arrived behind his desk because of the curfew, telephones the Platzkommandantur but receives no response. He hurries down to the Royal Square where he is joined by Charles Duret Aubin, the AttorneyGeneral, still wearing a pyjama jacket under his overcoat.

Duret Aubin is aghast. “Surely we are not under attack, Mr Bailiff?”

“It seems, Charles, that we are…”

“Where are the Germans?”

“They must have gone to ground. Like the rats they are…”

In the aftermath of the brief bombardment, the breaking silence is eerie.

At that moment a signal is being received at the Kriegsmarine wireless station at St Jacques in Guernsey from the GOC Southern Command advising Generalmajor Graf von Schmettow that the subjugation of the Channel Islands has commenced with a bombardment of military targets on Jersey. Further bombardments will follow unless the garrisons indicate their immediate intention to surrender. The signal concludes that the

Kernwerk St Peter

Louis-Mountbatten

HMS Royal Sovereign

German will be held responsible for any civilian casualties. The German commander-in-chief has an hour in which to make up his mind.

In Guernsey von Schmettow mutters, “They are killing their own people.”

“They will claim that we are letting them be killed, Herr Generalmajor.” The dry comment is made by von Schmettow’s chief-of-staff, Vizeadmiral Friedrich Hüffmeier.

Von Schmettow raises an eyebrow. “Are you suggesting we comply, Friedrich?”

Hüffmeier flushes. “Certainly not! Our ultimate victory is certain, Herr Generalmajor. We must not weaken now.”

“Then what do you suggest, Friedrich?”

“We fight back, Herr Generalmajor.”

“The Tommies are out of range of our guns, Friedrich, even Batterie Mirus… We are facing an enemy we cannot fight…” Yet to surrender would be regarded by Berlin as treason, with untold consequences for the families of the men who had committed it.

“Herr Generalmajor, I suggest we sit out any assault. The defences are quite capable of withstanding this type of bombardment. If the Tommies attempt a landing, then we will annihilate them on the beaches…”

“What about the Islanders?”

“Their fate is in the hands of their countrymen. It is my suggestion that we remind the British of that.” He looks at his watch. “Before their deadline…”

Von Schmettow confers with his senior officers. In the tobacco smoke-filled headquarters there is no talk of surrender but concern at the number of civilian casualties.

“It is war,” Vizeadmiral Hüffmeier retorts.

“Quite so,” agrees von Schmettow. “Nevertheless I propose that we seek an armistice…”

Vizeadmiral Hüffmeier is outraged. “An armistice! This is treason!”

“Friedrich, Friedrich…” von Schmettow soothes. “Hear me out. What I propose is an armistice, for 48 hours, to allow the Britsih to discuss with us the evacuation of the civilian population…”

“The Führer will never agree. The civilian populations are an important bargaining counter…”

“Indeed, Friedrich. But we cannot be held to blame for the consequences if our offer is refused…”

“But just 48 hours? How will the Tommies evacuate more than 60,000 civilians in just 48 hours?”

“They will have to find a way.” Von Schmettow chuckles. “I recall they withdrew more than 300,000 combatants from Dunkirk in a matter of days. And this time there will be no-one shooting at them.”

“The man’s a fantasist!” Winston Churchill is still in his silk pyjamas although a cigar is already clamped between his teeth. Brendan Bracken gently disagrees. “Not necessarily, Prime Minister. I suspect he recognises that having some 65,000 British civilians at his mercy gives him significant bargaining power…”

“Not with me, it doesn’t!” The PM turns to his naval adviser. “Could it ever be possible? To evacuate so many civilians in just two days?”

Admiral Cunningham scratches his jaw. “In theory, yes. But in practice, no.”

Churchill paces the Cabinet Room pausing to stare out at Downing Street.

Eventually he speaks. “Gentlemen, I have decided. Notify the Germans that we agree that the International Red Cross feed the civilian population.” A blast of cigar smoke. “Give the order to the Navy to withdraw. Tell the admiral ‘well done’.”

The foregoing is a work of fiction. It did not happen but it might have done.

The foregoing is a work of fiction. It did not happen but it might have done.

“What Was but What If” will be published later this year.

Wurzburg Radar

with Evolution Eye Care Advanced Vision Correction

Specialist-led laser and lens treatments now established in Jersey

Islanders seeking freedom from glasses or contact lenses can now access expert vision correction closer to home. Led by renowned refractive surgeon Mr Mike Tappin, Evolution Eye Care’s Vision Correction Service has become an established part of its regular clinic schedule.

Patients considering treatment are assessed in Jersey directly by Mr Tappin – the same surgeon who would perform their procedure.

Mr Tappin is a leading surgeon with over 30 years’ experience in refractive surgery. He conducts clinics in Jersey, and operates at Prema, a state-ofthe-art surgical facility in Portsmouth operated by Laser Vision UK. Prema is conveniently located just 20 minutes from Southampton airport, with three modern hotels next door if accommodation is required.

“Our goal is to make the vision correction process as seamless and reassuring as possible for Jersey patients,” said Mr Tappin. “By combining consultations onisland with surgery at Prema, patients on our collaborative pathway receive the convenience of local care, with the safety and reassurance of a leading UK surgical environment.”

“It’s important that patients meet the surgeon who will perform their procedure,” added Mr Anish Shah, co-founder of Evolution Eye Care. “That continuity builds trust and ensures decisions are always made in the patient’s best interests.”

Genuine Advice, Not Sales

Some refractive clinics offer free consultations. This can create pressure to convert enquiries into surgery, just to cover costs. At Evolution Eye Care, a £99 vision correction consultation fee reflects a commitment to transparency, allowing the clinic to provide honest, impartial guidance –even if the best recommendation is not to proceed with surgery.

“Charging a modest consultation fee allows us to offer genuine advice rather than sales-driven opinions,” said Mr Shah. “Our patients receive clarity, not persuasion.”

Modern Technology and Trusted Standards

Prema is equipped with modern, regularly serviced laser and surgical equipment, maintained to the rigorous standards required by the UK Care Quality Commission (CQC). This ensures every procedure is performed with the precision, safety, and reliability expected of the UK’s top ophthalmic centres.

Established Expertise, Local Convenience

Jersey patients are already benefiting from this trusted and convenient pathway, exploring laser vision correction or lens replacement surgery with world-class expertise and modern technology – all coordinated through Jersey’s largest private eye clinic.

For more information or to book a consultation, visit www.evolution.je/book email info@evolution.je, or call 01534 835400

1st Floor

Little Grove Clinic

Rue de Haut St Lawrence JE3 1JZ

Mr Mike Tappin, Consultant Ophthalmic, Corneal and Laser Refractive Surgeon

Procedures are carried out at the purposebuilt, state-of-the-art Prema clinic

Charity Open Gardens

Saturday 21st March 11am to 4pm

Sunday 17th May

Domaine Des Vaux

St Lawrence

Sunday 28th June

Seafield House St Lawrence

Sunday 19th April

Government House St Saviour

Sunday 31st May

Woodlands Court Grouville

MAKE YOUR NAUTICAL DREAM COME TRUE

ISLANDERS hoping to achieve a nautical ambition are invited to apply for the 2026 Jersey Clipper Bursary – a £1,000 cash award aimed at furthering maritime endeavour.

The bursary, which also offers a £500 runner-up award, is designed to assist an Islander of any age to fulfil a particular nautical dream. This could, for example, be a trip on a tall ship, attending a training course, participating in a watersports competition or competing in an ocean race –anything with a maritime theme.

The annual award, a legacy from the three Jersey campaigns in the Clipper Round- the-World Yacht Race, was established 19 years ago through the generosity of Dandara, Les Pas Holdings and UBS.

The successful applicant will follow in the wake of Jamie Le Marquand (17) who used the funds to take part in the 2025 Tall Ships Race, joining the crew of the historic fishing boat Excelsior on the leg from Scotland to Norway.

‘Everyone should try sailing on a tall ship,’ said Jamie, following his Baltic adventure. ‘It’s a truly incredible experience with people coming from all over the globe for the same reason – to sail.

‘Thanks to the Jersey Clipper Bursary for making this dream possible for me and I hope that other Jersey residents will be encouraged to apply for the 2026 bursary.’

Islanders can apply for the 2026 Jersey Clipper Bursary by outlining their particular nautical ambition in no more than 200 words in an email to philipjeune@gmail.com The deadline is 30 April

For further information please call PHILIP JEUNE on 857309 or 07797 722127

photo: Rob Howarth Photography)

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St Peter Football Club

by Brian Foulser

Mighty Oaks From Little Acorns Grow

As we approach the last lap of the 2025/26 season, there is still a lot of football to be played after the weather caused many postponements and with matches still to be rearranged.

The season to date has shown a lot of talent progressing through the Academy from the seeds that were sown within the mini section a few years ago. It is this section that is continuing to flourish - with over 120 young budding stars aged 4-10 years, and more than 90 juniors, the club is looking forward to the future full of optimism.

The younger age groups have the ground buzzing every Saturday morning; the energy and enthusiasm that is expended is astonishing and a delight to see. Some of these younger teams, with the commitment of their coach, have a second training session during the week at their St Georges Prep School venue. It is the younger junior section, the U12’s and U11’s that are playing exceptionally well in their competitive games and offering the promise of some outstanding talent emerging over the next few seasons.

This strong development has encouraged the club to enter two U10 teams, two U11’s and an U12 into the Jullouville-Sartilly International Small Sided Tournament to be played in France on 20th June. 32 teams are entered into an U11 competition and the same number in an U13 age group, so our talented U12

team will be testing their abilities against older players from across Europe. The enthusiasm from the players, parents and their coaching mentors to give themselves this test on a bigger stage is a testament to the coaching teams who have skilfully worked with these youngsters to make their training sessions enjoyable, as well as instructive.

In the older age groups, raw talent is emerging across the board at all levels, with our U15’s teams leading the way with two very talented teams. As we write, the U15 red team is preparing to spend a week training at Bournemouth FC under the direction of Patrick Wilson, Under 16 Coach at Bournemouth and England. Two competitive matches have been arranged by him during their stay. This group of players are showing exciting promise as a skilful and talented unit and proving to be endorsing that view by also performing competitively at U16 level, against physically stronger players. With our U16 and U18 teams improving as the season progresses, there is real encouragement for Allan Ferey and his coaching team.

At Senior level our first team are knitting together well as a unit and are now playing with confidence after having to re-build from scratch at the start of the season. However, they have some tough fixtures to negotiate in the run into the end of the season. Our Ladies’ team are battling hard and are seeking to add to their numbers. If you feel you have the will and could have the talent with the help of some expert coaching, why not contact our Ladies Manager/Coach Kylan Fitzsimons at enquiries@stpeterfc.com using Kylan’s name as the subject. As Ladies football is now the fastest growing sports sector worldwide, this could be the start of something big for both you and St Peter FC.

Finally, two much sought after events, open to all Island footballloving youngsters aged 5-14 years, are returning to St Peter FC again this year with Southampton FC Coaching team running a 4-day coaching course at Easter from Tuesday 7th to Friday 10th April.

Everton FC will be returning for their annual coaching week, which began 23 years ago in 2003. They will be here from Monday 10th to Friday 14th August.

Demand will be high! The details for both special events and how to register can be found on the St Peter FC web site stpeterfc.com and on our social media channels.

One very important announcement is to inform you that Jason A’Court is the new Head of the St Peter FC Academy as Brian Foulser is relinquishing these responsibilities after 30 years as an official with the club, and the last 15 years as Academy chairman. Jason will bring a new and fresh perspective to the progress of Mini and Junior football, and you can be confident that some exciting new initiatives are already on the horizon.

Photos courtesy of Danny Andrade

Measure of Champions

Champion trees are exceptional examples of their species. More specifically, a champion tree is typically classified as such by its size, relative to other specimens of the same species in the same geographical area – whether global, national, regional or local. Age, rarity and historical or cultural importance are further factors that can lead to a tree gaining champion status.

These specimens are crucial to the wellbeing and preservation of their local ecosystems. For context, a normal healthy mature tree supports hundreds of wildlife species while sequestering something like 20-40kg of carbon annually (a very approximate figure before considering size, species, methodology etc). Therefore, you can ramp up these numbers for a healthy champion.

Champion trees also provide important information about genetics and resilience traits such as drought tolerance, disease resistance and structural stability. All of these are considerations when cultivating, which, unsurprisingly, is another of their uses.

We can’t talk about champion trees without a nod to their cultural and historical importance. They’re a symbol of cultural heritage, often acting as landmarks and providing identity to an area, as well as being a source of interest, engagement and education to the local community and visitors from further afield.

Standardised measurement methods differ by country. In the British Isles we measure the tree’s girth (circumference) at a height of 1.5m above ground level on the upper side of any slope. Height is measured formally using a hypsometer or clinometer, although more traditional (i.e. non-technological) techniques can be used to approximate.

Although by no means universal, many countries have systems and processes to identify and register their champion trees. In our region, Tree Register of the British Isles (TROBI) is responsible for granting this status. Around 80,000 British and Irish trees are currently listed, of 275,000+ on its database.

TROBI is a registered charity run by volunteers. Despite the practical limitations this brings, they visited Jersey in 2003 and again in 2013 to undertake assessments, updating the database to include around 500 local specimens in total. While some are sure to have since been lost to Storm Ciáran, many more will be unidentified.

Appreciating the incredible work TROBI does, Jersey Trees for Life is contributing by providing information about our island’s finest arboreal examples. Its volunteers have started assessing potential candidates for champion status and, from spring, when trees are easier to identify and far more photogenic, the mission will begin in earnest. Potential champions include a bearded alder at the Alder Collection (Alnus glutinosa subsp. barbata), a handkerchief tree (Davidia involucrata) at Rozel Valley and a magnificent Chinese swamp cypress (Glyptostrobus pensilis) at Val de la Mare.

The charity is also contributing to an upcoming JEP series profiling prominent local trees.

If you think you have a champion tree, or know of one in the island, let us know at admin@jerseytreesforlife.org

A potential champion silver lime in Coronation Park.

A handkerchief tree in bloom – there’s a champion handkerchief tree at Rozel

The largest of the four Chinese swamp cypresses at Val de la Mare Arboretum, the only known genetically diverse specimens of their type in the northern hemisphere.

(credit: Oldiefan (Pixabay)

Something for everyone

historical harbour-view dining

Perfect for: refined local dining in historical surroundings, romantic moments & stunning sea views in a elegant yet relaxed harbour-view setting.

Location: st aubin’s village

Mont du Boulavard, St Aubin, www.somervillejersey.com

candlelit grills & sunset moods

Perfect for: candlelit sunset dinners, sun-soaked lunches & mouth-watering international grills in a relaxed yet classy setting overlooking the ocean.

Location: st aubin’s bay

Le Mont Felard, St Lawrence

www.cristinajersey.com

quality comfort food by the beach

Perfect for: delicious local seafood, juicy British meats, wholesome vegetarian & vegan meals in a relaxed fuss-free beachfront setting.

Location: st brelade’s bay

La Route de la Baie, St Brelade www.labrise.je

cocktails, curiosities & more!

Perfect for: curious cocktails, classy coupes de Champagne, cake filled afternoons, outstanding sea views and the history of Mr J.W. Chapman.

Location: st aubin’s village

Mont du Boulavard, St Aubin, www.somervillejersey.com

azur moods & relaxing tunes

Perfect for: sunny cocktail sessions, intimate evening catchups, delicious snacks, afternoon teas & live music in a relaxed yet classy sea view setting.

Location: st aubin’s bay

Le Mont Felard, St Lawrence www.cristinajersey.com

beachside coffee, cake & cocktails!

Perfect for: artisanal coffee, home-made cake, fresh juices, shakes, cocktails & craft local brews in a shorts & t-shirt setting right on the beach.

Location: st brelade’s bay

La Route de la Baie, St Brelade www.labrise.je Tel:

Philadelphie Messy Centre

What a delight this season is, with the long dark days behind us comes the joy, light and growth of Spring!

So too it is at Philadelphie Messy Church, for, following a season of slow recovery after the long dark days of covid after which we had been fewer in number for a while, we are now welcoming more and more families and are bursting into life with new growth once again!

Not that there has ever been a lack of joy though, for even when we were smaller in attendance, Messy Church has always been, and will always be, a place of great fun! How could it fail to be, with the fabulous selection of themed craft on offer for all to freely choose from, or indeed to achieve getting around all six of the craft zones before settling down to a short time of worship where the message for the day is simply explained through song, a video clip or maybe an inter-active Bible story time.

Whichever way it is that we share the Light and love of Jesus, the Messy Grace brings worship time to a close and everyone is invited to share in a delicious two-course meal before going home, well fed and smiling!

If you are reading this article and already come along - that’s great, you already know the joy of being part of our Messy Church family. If you are thinking that maybe this is something you would like to try out, why not just come along or give Katie a call on the number below, we would love to welcome you!

We don’t just have fun with the youngsters either, our Messy doors are open to the young of heart too! On the third Tuesday of every month, Messy Vintage meets for a more sedentary time of opening up the Bible story for the day. With just one craft to achieve, it leaves plenty of time for a good chat and laugh, as well as the joy of spending time in worship, and sharing in a delicious afternoon tea together. Messy Vintage is yet another lovely way of belonging to our much loved Messy family and one to which we cordially invite you.

If you would like to know more, please do get in touch with me on 07797 855082 or email katie.bill39@gmail. com, or you may wish to speak with Reverend Peter on 743933 who would be happy to hear from you.

God bless you all!

Katie Norman

Messy Dates

Messy Church

3.30pm-5.30 pm on Tuesday 7th April, 5th May

Messy Vintage

2.30pm - 4.30pm on Tuesday 17th March, 21st April, 19th May

Messy Bears Toddler Group 9.30am-12.00pm on Mondays (term time only)

HOGS on the (H) Edge

When Queen Elizabeth II acceded to the throne in 1952, there were over 30 million hedgehogs roaming around Britain. As her reign came to an end in 2022, there were less than one million.

I do not attach any blame to the late monarch for the demise of the hedgehog population; I merely give pause for thought.

Jersey’s much-loved mammal is now ‘threatened with extinction’. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has placed them on the red list after numbers declined by 30% in just the last 10 years. Our experience mirrors this. We have admitted far fewer hedgehogs this year, with many of them so sick, injured or emaciated that they could not be saved. Yet we fight on, knowing that the work we do at Jersey Hedgehog Preservation Group means each and every hedgehog we can treat and release back into the wild is a precious life saved.

We cannot do this alone; we need your help!

Hedgehogs do not hibernate during the mild Jersey winter, except during exceptionally cold snaps. They will be out and about looking for food when the weather allows.

They will have built weatherproof winter nests called hibernacula. Favourite nesting sites are in piles of twigs and leaves, compost heaps, pampas grass, thickets, long grass and log piles. As you begin to tidy the garden ready for spring planting, please be aware that you may be disturbing more than earthworms! Take great care when turning over your compost heaps or raking your leaf piles.

It goes without saying that you should refrain from using pesticides; there are many cost-effective natural remedies to ensure your garden grows beautifully. If you are strimming or mowing weeds and long grass, please check carefully for sleeping hedgehogs before you start. CHECK BEFORE YOU CHOP!!

If you net your fruit bushes, leave a 13cm gap between the ground and the bottom of the net and put football goal nets away: you would be amazed how many hedgehogs get caught in netting!

If possible, leave some wild areas alone – leaf piles as they rot down, bug hotels, twigs and log piles are also home to the very beetles and bugs and other invertebrates that supply the hedgehog's natural diet. However, supplementing that diet with a small dish of cat food or small dog kibble will be appreciated, particularly in dry weather when there is less natural food around. Never give mealworms, sunflower seeds, peanuts, or milk and bread (hedgehogs are lactose intolerant).

Finally - would your school, charity or association benefit from a visit from one of our volunteers?

In addition to rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing sick, injured and orphaned hedgehogs, we are also here to educate the public about hedgehogs and the dangers they face going forward.

If you think your organisation would be interested in finding out more about our prickly friends, please contact us via facebook, e-mail us at jerseyhedgehogs@hotmail.co.uk or phone on 734340 and we will endeavour to help. You can also find out more at jerseyhedgehogs.co.uk

Thank you for caring!

Check for hedgehogs before you dig, fork or strim your garden

This hedgehog brought in, appeared to have been stabbed with the prong of a garden fork.

Leaf piles could be a nesting site for hedgehogs

Bringing Books to Your Door

Just because you can’t make it to the Town Library, Communicare Library, or the Mobile Library doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the joy of reading.

Jersey Library offers a completely free home delivery service for anyone who finds it difficult to visit in person, whether due to health issues, mobility challenges, or full-time caring responsibilities.

The service is open to people living independently at home as well as those in residential care. When you join, a member of our friendly library team will chat with you about your reading preferences. Whether you need normal print, large print or audiobooks, and the genres and authors you most enjoy. We then hand-pick a selection tailored especially for you, so every delivery feels like a personalised book bundle.

Our dedicated team of library volunteers delivers books across the island, covering 12 routes each month. In 2025, we made more than 800 deliveries to around 80 readers. For

many, this service is a lifeline, a way to stay connected, entertained, and comforted by the pleasure of reading.

If you or someone you care for would like to use this service, please contact Angela at the library on 448700 or email je.library@gov.je

We’re here to help bring books straight to your door.

MONDAY

10:00 - 11:00

St Ouen's Parish Hall

11:15 - 12:15

St John's Parish Hall

TUESDAY 09:30 - 11:00 Holme Grown 11:15 - 12:45 Gorey Common Carpark 14:30 - 16:30 Jersey Zoo

WEDNESDAY

09:30 - 11:00 Langtry Gardens

11:15 - 12:45 St Martin's Village Green 14:30 - 15:30 Le Rocquier School

Barbara Le Ruez, Josephine St George and our volunteer Liz at Maison St Brelade.

Useful Information

Duty Centenier: Tel: 01534 680559

Constable: Mr Richard Vibert r.vibert2@gov.je

Deputies: Kristina Moore 07797 747757, k.moore2@gov.je

Lucy Stephenson 07797 766918, l.stephenson@gov.je

Ian Gorst 07700 703280, i.gorst@gov.je

Lyndon Farnham 07797 714222, l.farnham@gov.je

Parish Executive Officer: Mrs Elizabeth Cheetham liz.cheetham@stpeter.je

Police Secretary: (Honorary Police): Mrs Joanna Houghton, joanna.houghton@stpeter.je

Rates Officer: Mrs Tracy Tomes tracy.tomes@stpeter.je

Firearms and Mrs Sarah Le Maistre Administration Officer: sarah.lemaistre@stpeter.je

Parish Hall Office: Tel: 481236 FAX: 483225 parishhall@stpeter.je, stpeter.je

Procureurs: Dr Jason Lane, Robert Surcouf

Centeniers: Joao Camara (Chef de Police)

Pavel Bosak, Marion Romeril

Tony Alves

Vingteniers: David Robinson, Adrian Nowak, Louise Robinson, Mike Ozanne

Comité des Chemins: Keith Capern (Treasurer) Paul Townsend, Martin Zimmer

Inspecteurs du Peter Lamy & Peter D’Anger (Coin Varin), Travail des Chemins: Peter Fleury, Roger Noel (Augerez), (Roads Committee) Graeme Pallot & James Machon (Douet), Nigel Rive, Steve Morin (Grande), John Payn & Bill Dempsey (St Nicolas)

Rates Assessors: Roger Noel (Chairman), Eric Le Ruez, Jean Shales, Graeme Rondel and Zoe Rive.

Community Police PC John Shatford (St Peter & St Brelade) Officer: Tel: 01534 612434 (connects to mobile) stpeter@jersey.police.je

Rector: Robert Harris 481805, rectorstpeter@outlook.com

If you would like to help or contribute, please contact the Editor on susiep99@hotmail.com

Published by Media Masters in association with the Parish of St Peter.

Tel: 866956 www.mediamasters.je

EDITORIAL Susan Parker

T: 07797 916991

E: susiep99@hotmail.com

ADVERTISING Martyn Farley

T: 07797 743191

E: martyn@farley.je

ACCOUNTS Helen Carré

E: helen@mediamasters.je

MediaMasters serving the community for over 19 Years

The deadline for the next edition is Friday 1st May 2026 All contributions are greatly appreciated.

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Les Clefs is a community parish publication by MediaMasters and is printed on FSC certified paper using vegetable-based inks by an ISO 14001 accredited printer.

Disclaimer

While MediaMasters and contributors to Les Clefs have provided the information contained in it in good faith, they accept no responsibility, financial or otherwise, for any action taken by any other party as a result of the information so provided. Independent and appropriate advice should always be sought on such matters. The views expressed within this newsletter are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. The Editor accepts no responsibility for errors or omissions that may occur.

Community Centre Car Boot

Selected Sundays between 8.30am & 12.30pm

From now until April the car boot sales will be inside at the Community Centre which will be serving tasty hot refreshments.

For more information please call the office on 483011.

Les Clefs is a community parish publication by MediaMasters and is printed on FSC certified paper using vegetable-based inks by an ISO 14001 accredited printer.